Sunderland often branch out far and wide in the transfer market. Kristjaan Speakman could do so again with links to an exciting player in Russia.
Sunderland have just signed Wilson Isidor on a permanent deal from Russian Premier League side Zenit, following just half-a-season on loan in Wearside.
But the Frenchman has proved himself. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co were willing to pull the trigger on a permanent deal early and he becomes Sunderland’s second signing of January.
Now, Sunderland are being linked with another player in Russia ahead of Monday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Sunderland join Leeds United in race to sign Krasnodar’s Eduard Spertsyan
Reports coming out of Russia have recently revealed that Sunderland’s Championship promotion rivals are exploring a deal for Krasnodar and Armenia midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, who Leeds boss Daniel Farke previously managed in Russia.
But Sunderland are also interested in the 24-year-old who was named Armenia’s Player of the Year in 2022. The no.10 has 39 goals and 28 assists in 133 games for Krasnodar’s first-team, including six goals and three assists in 18 league matches this season.
Russian football insider Ivan Karpov has revealed Sunderland’s interest in the midfielder on Telegram.
What Regis Le Bris has said about attacking signings
It’s clear that Sunderland remain keen on bolstering their frontline before the window shuts, despite the signing of Isidor.
Options remain light up top but speaking recently, Regis Le Bris explained what Sunderland want in an attacking signing, and it’s not just a no.9, but someone to work opposition defences as a ‘vertical’ threat.
Le Bris said: “Probably we still need some more vertical threats, players who could run in behind. This could be a striker but also a winger, maybe a versatile player.”
Whether a no.10 fits into that category for Le Bris remains to be seen. But emerging interest in Spertsyan should suggest that clubs have been doing their homework on the player, and that they’re very impressed.
This could be another Speakman masterclass in the transfer market.